Murder One (1995–1997): Season 1, Episode 8 - Chapter Eight - full transcript
Julie meets another of Dr. Lester's female patients.
There's a leak in this office,
and I want to know who it is.
Neil confessed to killing Jessica.
I'll rot in jail before I'll testify
to any of this, Mr. Hoffman.
Did you or did you not confess to him
that you killed Jessica?
Teddy, I don't know.
She's the night nurse at lephyr House.
She logged a call from Neil at 1 :45 a.m.
the night of the murder...
...from Julie Costello's apartment.
That's two hours after he said he left.
Who told you the results
of our jury survey?
You know I can't answer that.
If I've got a traitor working for me,
I'd like to know.
You'll never guess who I saw...
...coming out of Connie Dahlgren's
apartment at 7:OO this morning...
...with wet hair, no less.
An attorney's
fundamental duty is to his client.
You've jeopardized your own career
before it's even begun.
Who is it, Julie?
Who is it in your dream?
Graham...
...Lester.
Couldn't we just let it ring?
Hello?
All right. All right.
Calm down, Richard.
Was she hurt?
As soon as I can. Yes.
Julie Costello was in a car accident.
The police have her out in Van Nuys.
I'm told all she had
was a couple of glasses of wine.
-What was her blood alcohol level?
-Point-o-five.
It's a low blow for the Breathalyzer,
but her pupils weren't dilating.
The drug-recognition expert will be here
in a minute. I'd like him to look.
Be that as it may, we posted bail,
so she's free to go, correct?
Be that as it may, we posted bail,
so she's free to go, correct?
Not until we're done processing her.
You may want to check
with your watch commander.
He told me a few minutes ago
that she'd been cleared for release.
Sir, we've got a Julie Costello in
custody on a DUl. Her attorney's--
Yes, sir.
I wasn't aware of that.
Yes, sir, I understand.
Let me check on her.
I thought Graham Lester
was dialing back her drugs.
Yes, he has been.
The alcohol must have amplified
the effects of the medication.
Mea culpa, Teddy.
If I'd known she was gonna drive...
...l would have hidden the keys.
Believe me.
-How's the kid on the motorcycle?
-Oh, he's fine, just a few scrapes.
Fortunately, Julie just clipped him.
So I should just be in civil court
for the next five or 10 years.
But what's money as long
as everybody's okay?
Richard, I am so sorry.
Get her our of here, Richard. Fast.
-Your poor car.
-It's okay. Don't worry about it, honey.
-It's okay.
-And, Teddy, it's so late...
...and you came all the way to
Van Nuys. Can you ever forgive me?
Not to worry. Let's just get you home.
Wait, I can't forget my personal effects.
My rings and stuff.
-Do I need to sign something?
Here.
Am I going to lose
my license because of this?
Don't worry about it, sweetheart.
Teddy will take care of everything.
Let's go.
I don't know what I'd do
without you, Teddy.
I really don't.
Good night.
For the hell of it,
I've been doing more digging...
...into that 1992
wrongful-death investigation...
...Rusty Arnold was involved in
at lephyr House.
Don't get too hopeful.
We've been all over that.
Graham Lester managed
to disinfect himself pretty good.
Yeah, well, check this out.
A Stephanie Lambert...
...she was in rehab at the time
for heroin addiction.
She told one of the investigating officers
she thought Lester had drugged...
...and raped her on numerous occasions
while she was in treatment.
The case never made.
There was no evidence...
...and the girl couldn't be sure
whether or not it was a dream.
The same bad dream
Julie's been having.
That's why I thought
you might be interested.
-Where's this woman now?
Silver Lake.
I talked to her on the phone,
but she wasn't forthcoming.
I explained I wasn't a cop,
but she didn't want to hear it.
If she'd talk to Julie,
it might drive a wedge...
...between her and her shrink.
...between her and her shrink.
Do you want me to take a run at her?
She might talk to a woman.
Be my guest. I'll give you
her name and number.
Anything new on Lester's nurse?
Only wrong thing about her
is the building manager...
...thinks she's got a cat.
There are no pets allowed.
-I'm still working on her TRW.
Thanks, Ray. Good work.
This Graham Lester's got some
weird lizards living in his head.
Yeah.
Morning.
Morning. First order of business.
Our jury consultant, Margaret Stratton,
is leaving for medical reasons.
Nothing serious, thankfully.
Her partner Lorraine Vitale...
...will be coming on board this
afternoon, so introduce yourselves.
And Julie Costello's a client again.
She wrecked Richard Cross'
Rolls last night.
-ls she all right?
She wasn't hurt.
She was charged with DUl, reckless
driving, driving without a license.
Justine, I want you to handle this.
Arraignment's next week.
I'll find out who the deputy DA is,
see what I can work out.
-It's one thing after another.
-Don't get me started.
Conformed copies of our motion
in limine. One for the nurse.
One for Dr. Lester
and his medical records.
If we win, won't Grasso file
a motion to preserve the records?
Great. We want to see those
records too. Anything else?
We're meeting with the judge
today on George Lerman.
All this over a dog. Surely this case
could be plea-bargained.
Sorry to interrupt.
Breaking news on Neil Avedon.
ln a sworn affidavit.
the teenage girl says the man...
...seen in the poor-quality video
is Hollywood's baddest bad boy...
...Meil Avedon. with whom
she spent a nightmarish evening...
...of sex. drugs and videotape in the
bungalow of a posh Beverly Hills hotel.
The affidavit goes on to say that the girl.
quote. "feared for her life"...
...when the film star tried to strangle
her during their lovemaking.
Meil Avedon is charged in the sex
slaying of 15-year-old Jessica Costello.
It's amazing this kid finds time
between these performances to act.
Assuming that's really Neil.
Whether it is him or not, this is one
more thing we have to explain away.
-What makes people do that?
Hormones could play a part.
I'll give Connie a call.
I'll give Connie a call.
Have Ray Velacek find out
whatever he can about the girl.
After seeing that, there's not
a whole lot we don't already know.
You're kicking up a lot of dust
over this, aren't you, Ms. Booth?
Your Honor, this man pounded
on Mr. Pine's front door...
...then punched him in the nose,
breaking it and causing facial bruising.
The defense would maintain
there was more than ample provocation.
Reducing the charge
to a misdemeanor...
...and having my client
pay a fine is appropriate...
...rather than consuming
the court's time with a trial.
-Talk to me, counsel.
-I'm not willing to knock it down.
This is a serious offense.
-Lillian.
Yes?
Send in Mr. Lerman and Mr. Pine.
This is a dispute between
neighbors, counselors.
A little communication, and we
should be able to save ourselves a trial.
Forget about it. I was assaulted.
I'm not willing to pretend
that didn't happen.
Mr. Lerman, is there anything you could
offer up by way of compensation...
...that might induce Mr. Pine
to feel he has received redress...
...outside the criminal court system?
You want me to pay him?
Is that what you suggest?
-Something akin to that.
-Ah. Well, how can I put this.
I'd rather be thrown
out that window...
...and impaled on an iron fence
than pay this guy one dime.
Mr. Lerman, understand something.
As of right now,
you're charged with a felony.
If convicted, there's a chance
you will go to prison.
What I'm trying to do is spare you that.
-Why should he be spared?
-Leonard.
Why should you be spared?
Thunder wasn't spared.
Thunder lives every day of his life
with the consequences of what you did.
-Thunder is disabled because of you.
-I did what I did with a clear conscience.
lt was an act of self-preservation.
I would do it again.
Have you heard the expression
"never again," my friend?
Have you heard that expression?
Well, hear it now. Never again.
The next time, I'll be waiting
for you with a gun.
Stop. Ms. Booth, Ms. Gillespie,
you're ready to proceed?
-Yes, Your Honor.
Two o'clock this afternoon.
I'll see you in court.
Don't--
I wasn't.
-You were looking.
guys.
Out of the corner of my eye,
I saw you looking at me.
That video was totally bogus, Teddy.
Believe me.
And this isn't a case
of me not remembering.
I do believe you.
This has felt like a scam from the jump.
Trials like this bring the wackos
out of the woodwork.
Yeah, well, I'm getting
eating alive, okay?
I'm in the supermarket,
and this woman scoops up her kid...
...when she sees me coming,
like I'm some kind of fiend.
I gotta do something, Ted.
Don't go to the supermarket.
You put yourself out in the public eye...
...people are gonna do things,
say things. That's the reality.
Maybe there's another way
of coming at this than just laying low.
-What would you suggest?
Meet this head-on.
Neil's publicist got a call
from Felicia Norell.
-No interviews.
This is not an interview.
This is Felicia Norell.
This is a blue-chip opportunity
for Neil to tell his side of the story.
I'm sure the timing of this has nothing to
do with the fact your picture's opening.
The welfare of my friend
is my only priority here.
But let me say, we have been previewing
Deadbolt in a few key markets.
You should see what
the audience cards are saying.
Listen to me, Neil. There's a perception
in your business that any ink is good ink.
That's not the case in a murder trial.
We're at war for the hearts
and minds of the jury.
You say the wrong thing
in an interview...
...or the questions themselves
seem suspicious...
...that jury could decide
they don't like you...
...or they don't trust you.
lt could cost you your life.
I hear what you're saying, Teddy...
...and I know you're looking out
for my best interest.
Would you at lest talk to these people,
explore the possibilities?
You're my client.
I'll talk to anyone you want.
That a way, Ted.
Before I'd consider
signing off on such a thing...
...l would have to satisfy myself
in a couple areas.
One, that there's sufficient reason
to warrant taking this kind of risk.
And two, that the network agrees
to terms and conditions I can live with.
I don't like what I'm hearing,
no interview.
Which is why we are coming
to you to be the rabbi here.
Neil, I need your authority to say "no. "
No end runs around me to your agent
or any of your other representatives.
No end runs around me to your agent
or any of your other representatives.
-You're the boss.
This is why you're a star, Ted.
You're tough, but you're not
afraid to look past...
...your own point of view
to see the bigger picture.
If you ever decide
you want to run a studio....
Put the bullet right here.
Whatever Neil Avedon said
to his psychiatrist the night in question...
Whatever Neil Avedon said
to his psychiatrist the night in question...
...falls under
the doctor-patient privilege.
The defendant relinquished
that privilege, Your Honor.
Mr. Docknovich argued for bail based
upon the defendant's mental health...
...or, rather, lack thereof.
It's well settled that once
mental health is at issue...
...the privilege can no longer
be used as a shield.
The people have correctly stated
the law, but applied it improperly.
An argument at bail neither presents
testimony nor introduces evidence.
We can all argue Darcy's Hornbook,
or even legislative intent...
...but the fact is that the defendant's
mental health is on the record...
...and the defense put it there.
Now they wanna pull it back
to suit their needs.
The people argue they shouldn't
be able to have it both ways.
I find the privilege too compelling
to set aside.
Mr. Hoffman, I'm granting
your motion vis-à-vis Dr. Lester.
I'm not sure about the nurse.
It seems to me if Susan Dominick...
...has testimony that doesn't go
to the defendant's medical records...
...or statements, it may be admissible.
Ms. Dominick received a telephone call
from the defendant...
...who was at the apartment
of the victim...
...two hours after he told
the police he'd left.
We have the phone company
records supporting it.
Hearsay. A hundred different men
could have placed that call...
...and said they were Neil Avedon.
She'll testify that she knows
and recognized his voice.
Ms. Dominick also observed
the arrival of the defendant...
...at lephyr House
30 minutes after that call.
She's a percipient witness...
...to non-privileged
communication and conduct.
There's no proof
such an event took place...
...but arguing hypothetically, if it did,
Neil was visiting his psychiatrist...
...and the privilege extends
to any employee...
...who might have signed him in,
including Dominick.
The defense is trying to use
privilege as a smoke screen.
Ms. Dominick saw Neil Avedon
arrive at lephyr House...
...at approximately 2:15 a.m.
She noted his affect.
He was distraught.
He asked to see Dr. Lester,
and she escorted him to his office.
These are the objective facts
and should be admitted into evidence.
I'm going to allow
Ms. Dominick's testimony...
...as it relates to seeing
the defendant at lephyr House.
I'm also going to allow her
to testify as to the identity...
...of the person she spoke
with on the phone.
With all due respect--
Whether she can identify Mr. Avedon
from his voice, counsel...
...is what cross-examination is for.
As for the people's motion
for discovery, denied.
Dr. Lester's notes and records
on Mr. Avedon are protected...
...along with any testimony
the doctor himself may make...
...going to the substance
of his meeting with Mr. Avedon.
Your Honor, the people move
that Dr. Lester's records...
...be removed to this court to prevent
any alteration or destruction.
Does defense have a problem with that?
Yes, Your Honor.
These records belong to Mr. Avedon.
Dr. Lester should be ordered
to turn over these records...
...to my office for safekeeping.
I think not, Mr. Hoffman.
Dr. Lester, can you
accommodate the court?
Certainly, Your Honor.
Counsel, you will accompany your client
to his office, secure the records...
...and deposit them with this court
tomorrow morning. We are adjourned.
Mr. Hoffman, why was
this a closed hearing?
The judge closed the hearing
for good reason. That's all I can say.
There's a story that the film
is a fake.
This isn't a news bulletin.
I said earlier the tape was a phony.
Now maybe you'll believe me.
This is just another example of rumor
and innuendo being reported as fact.
It's this climate
of irresponsible journalism...
...that could make it difficult for my
client to receive a fair trial. Thank you.
All pretrial motions are being
considered. Thank you very much.
Artie Sneller. who produced
the X-rated film Hose Monkeys...
...footage of which was used
in the apparent hoax...
...held a press conference earlier
today and had this to say:
I got a late-breaking bulletin
for whoever ripped off our footage.
We're coming after you. pal.
My attorneys. as we speak. are
bringing suit against Deadline: America...
...and Connie Dahlgren
for misrepresenting our work.
Hey. you don't rip off
Schindler's List...
...and you don't rip off
Hose Monkeys.
ln other news--
It's about time Neil got a win.
Connie Dahlgren's credibility
may be impeached...
-...but don't count on it helping Neil.
-Why not?
Even though it's been refuted...
...the negative association's
been made in people's minds.
Our raw data says as much.
Anything in your data that indicates
there would be an upside...
...to Neil doing an interview
with Felicia Norell tomorrow?
A venue like that puts him
in America's living room...
...with one of the most
respected women alive.
The visual association alone with
Felicia Norell helps humanize him.
He's charming, charismatic,
knows how to play the camera.
When he's acting.
This is the real deal, live,
no take two.
What's the downside?
Even if he says the right things,
he'll be under a microscope.
Everybody's going to be
Iooking for guilt...
...in his body language,
his eyes, his affect.
People tend to believe their
televisions tell them the truth.
If he comes off badly....
Let's see how our meeting
with the network goes.
Describe for us, if you will, Mr. Pine,
the events of June 10th, 1995.
My wife and my son were out
of town visiting my wife's parents.
I was in the den
assembling a model airplane.
If memory serves me,
I believe it was a B-52 Stratofortress.
The doorbell rang, I answered the door,
and the defendant, that guy over there...
...George Lerman, attacked me.
What reason did he give for doing so?
He was angry over
what I had done to his dog.
Was this the first time that his dog
was a source of conflict between you?
The first time? No.
This wasn't the first time.
His dog was a source of conflict
from the day we moved into that house.
What was the nature of the conflict?
The dog barked...
...every hour of every day
of every week for over a year.
-Not true.
It isn't true?
-Mr. Lerman.
-I'm at home all the time.
He barks at squirrels.
He barks at birds.
-Oh, please.
-Gentlemen, that's enough.
He even barks at his own reflection.
Did you ever speak
to Mr. Lerman about it?
Many times. His one concession to me
was to buy the dog an electronic collar.
lt turned out the dog
liked the electronic collar.
lt liked getting an electric charge every
time it barked. It was fun for him.
lt liked getting an electric charge every
time it barked. It was fun for him.
lnstead of simply hearing
incessant barking...
...l now heard barking
alternating with beeping.
Bark, beep, bark, beep,
bark, beep, bark, beep.
But the defendant did take steps
to try and remedy the situation.
His steps were half-hearted, at best.
The truth is he was sneering at me.
The last straw was when
his dog leapt the fence...
...and threw a hump
into my schnauzer.
I had to turn the hose on him.
It was only then that I finally acted...
...reclaiming my little corner
of the universe from that dog monster...
...that had come to torment
my every moment.
-Oh, you believe this jerk? Come on.
-George.
I have no further questions.
Stephanie?
I almost didn't come.
-I don't like this place.
-We can go somewhere else if you want.
-Coffee?
-Uh-uh.
I appreciate your coming.
I know it wasn't easy for you.
Like I said, I'm not saying
anything on the record.
-You don't have to.
Okay. Fine.
What do you want?
I have a friend.
She's 25 years old.
She's a patient of Graham Lester's.
I'd like you to talk to her.
No way.
He's doing the same thing
to her he did to you.
Well, she has my sympathies. The only
advice I can give her is run like hell.
Because if she tries to do anything,
no one will believe her.
Just like nobody believed me.
As of now, she doesn't believe it herself.
ls he with you?
-No.
-Why is he looking over here?
-I'm asking you for your help.
-Where was help when I needed it, huh?
I talked to detectives. I talked
to rape crisis intervention officers.
I talked to people from the DA's office.
And nobody did a damn thing.
Not to help me, not to stop him.
If justice wasn't served, don't make
other women pay the price for that.
At the very least, you can deprive
Graham Lester of another victim...
...and maybe somebody will believe her.
And maybe he'll finally
get what's coming to him.
If there was any justice...
...Graham Lester's balls would be
nailed to the front door of his clinic.
Then give me a nail.
I haven't seen the network
this excited...
...since Felicia interviewed
John Wayne Gacy.
You understand this is by no means
a fait accompli.
That's why we're here,
to make it happen.
Let's talk about the rules.
We want the segment
taped in advance...
...with editorial control to reside
with Neil and myself.
-You're joking.
-Do you hear a laugh track?
It's never been the policy of the
news division to cede editorial control.
-Change your policy.
First of all, Teddy...
...there's no editorial control.
Felicia works live.
Which means Neil can't get up
and walk away if he's sandbagged.
Teddy, this isn't gonna be adversarial.
Felicia Norell didn't get where she is
by throwing hanging curve balls.
If this has to be live, we have to agree
in advance to the questions she can ask.
These interviews aren't scripted.
Felicia lets conversations unfold
as conversations do.
Then we're done here.
The receptionist will
validate your parking.
Hold it.
The network wants to make this work.
What can we do
to make Neil comfortable?
No questions about the crime. Period.
That could have
a pretty broad interpretation.
The broadest possible.
Felicia has to ask
what's on everyone's mind.
If the public senses there's some sort
of conspiracy to avoid this issue...
...they'll tune out in droves.
Your ratings aren't my concern.
At the very least, people are gonna
want to hear what it's like...
...to face these charges,
what it does to someone's life.
And if they're like me
and they think Neil is innocent...
...that engenders a lot of sympathy.
I don't have a problem
with Neil talking about his feelings.
But I don't want him
being asked about...
...his whereabouts
the day of the murder.
-Fine.
-No questions about his prior arrests.
-His arrests are public record.
But not admissible in court.
So he doesn't need
20 million people...
...hearing a litany of every
screwup he's ever made.
All right. No specific questions
about his criminal record. What else?
All right. No specific questions
about his criminal record. What else?
No discussions about
his relationship to the victim...
...his statements to police,
his preparations for trial...
...whether or not he'll testify,
what his testimony might be.
And I want it in writing.
I guess we can live with that.
At the end of the day,
what assurances do I really have...
...that any of these terms
will be adhered to?
I like to think my word,
Felicia's good intentions...
...and the good faith of the entire
network mean something, Ted.
I like to think the meek
will inherit the Earth.
So how'd we do?
You got me covered
16 ways till Sunday.
I got you a piece of paper with some
assurances written on it. That's all it is.
Neil, I'm asking you
not to do this interview.
You're really looking out
for me, Teddy.
I can't tell you how much
this means to me.
But I'm doing this interview.
It's my decision.
I'll take the consequences.
Describe for us the history
of your dealings...
...with the plaintiff
prior to June 5th, 1995.
He bought the house next door to me
a year and a half ago.
I had been there 11 years at that point.
One day he comes to me and says
my dog's barking is irritating him.
The dog is a little high-strung,
I'll grant that.
I tried to correct the situation
as much as possible.
I started keeping the dog inside.
Did that serve to satisfy Mr. Pine?
No.
He complained that he could also
hear barking when the dog was inside.
Did you take further steps
towards correcting the situation?
-I bought an electronic collar.
-Bark, beep, bark, beep--
That's enough of that, Mr. Pine.
I paid for sessions with a dog trainer.
Whatever I could do, I did.
Where were you the week
of June 5, 1995, Mr. Lerman?
I was attending a trade show in Miami.
Would you tell the court
what you discovered...
...upon your return from that trip?
That my dog was different.
That he didn't come running to greet me.
That he didn't jump up
and put his paws around me.
That he wouldn't face me.
Suddenly he was self-conscious.
Your Honor, we would like
to introduce defense exhibit A.
-ls this your dog, Mr. Lerman?
-Yes, it is.
-Can you cause your dog to bark?
-I can cause my dog to attempt to bark.
Would you please do so?
Speak, Thunder.
Come on, boy.
Speak for Daddy. Come on.
Come on. Come on.
Thank you, Mr. Lerman.
What did you do when you found
your dog was unable to bark?
I took him to the vet.
I was informed that his vocal cords
had been surgically altered.
What did you do upon
returning from the vet?
I went to Mr. Pine.
I asked him if he had done this.
He told me that he had. He was
proud of himself, this psychopath.
-I'm the psychopath?
Leonard.
You force an entire community to endure
the ceaseless barking of your dog...
-...and I'm the psychopath?
-Mr. Pine.
Nobody complained but you, though.
Why is that, I wonder?
Both of you,
stop this colloquy right now.
Thunder, Thunder, Thunder...
...look at what this evil little turd
has done to you.
I have no further questions, Your Honor.
A somewhat humbled Connie Dahlgren
is here to see you.
Show her in.
Stephanie Lambert just called.
She's agreed to come
and meet with Julie.
Thanks, Justine.
Truce?
-I didn't know we were at war.
-Teddy, you gave as good as you got.
-I don't quite follow.
-Come on, I'm not wearing a wire.
Search me if you'd like.
You're incorrect if you think
I had anything to do with that video.
You have the most
remarkable ability to be sincere...
...whether you mean it or not.
Whatever the circumstances,
when Sydney gave me that tape...
...l made the mistake of taking it
at face value. Serves me right.
-I should've been more thorough.
-That's not like you, Connie.
I know.
But the dear boy was so
eager to please, and so young.
And so grateful.
Now that the score's even, can we
go back to the mutually beneficial...
...relationship we've always enjoyed?
Nothing would please me more.
-No hard feelings?
-None.
I'm glad we had this chance
to clear the air.
I'm glad we had this chance
to clear the air.
But answer me one question, Teddy.
That film, Hose Monkeys...
...was that part of your
private collection?
If I told you, it wouldn't
be private, would it?
You pulled that stunt
with Connie Dahlgren.
Yep.
After what she did to me and
the damage I caused the Avedon case...
...l had to do something
to discredit her.
And to be honest, Mr. Hoffman,
the revenge was pretty sweet.
-How'd you dummy the video?
-By bleeding the color...
...and re-recording it a bunch of times
to degrade the quality.
And I kept a copy of the phony
affidavit for you. It's pretty convincing.
-You're fired, effective immediately.
-Why?
You didn't learn
from your last mistake.
I don't understand.
I thought you'd be grateful.
Because you tried to settle accounts
through trickery?
Did you hear a word I said
in our conversation last week?
Yeah, you said,
"With failure comes opportunity."
And I saw an opportunity,
and I went for it.
You're smart, cunning
and underhanded, Sydney.
Qualities that, in all likelihood,
will make you very successful.
But not in this firm.
-But all I did was--
-What you did was lie.
There are too many people as it is
bending and twisting legal ethics...
...to suit their own needs
without you joining their ranks.
When the dean of your law school
gets my evaluation...
...of your performance
during this internship...
...maybe he'll take
a more lenient view...
...but I doubt it.
You tell me what it is
I did that's so wrong.
That you have to ask makes my point.
Louis will pack your things and send
them along with your final check.
Goodbye.
When Sydney's the biggest
agent in Hollywood...
...you can say you knew him when.
Julie, say hello to Stephanie Lambert.
-Hi.
Have a seat.
ls this about my car accident?
Justine has that under control.
This is about Graham Lester.
Oh, he told me not to drink alcohol
with that prescription.
lt was printed on the bottle,
but I didn't listen.
lt was totally my fault.
That's not why we asked you
to come here.
Do you remember telling
me about dreams you'd been having...
...about Dr. Lester forcing you
to have sex with him?
Stephanie was a patient
at Dr. Lester's too.
Does Richard know you called me
in here to talk about this?
-Does it matter?
-I don't wanna have this conversation.
I think you should.
I don't even know this person.
You don't have to say anything.
All we're asking you to do is listen.
I know what you've been through...
...and I know what
you're going through now.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about when it's real shaky...
...and you're not sure
if you're gonna make it.
And he's there,
asking you to trust him...
...because he's the doctor
and he can make it okay.
And he does make it okay.
He shows you that he's not scared...
...and you don't have to
be scared, either.
Graham Lester was the one thing
that I could hold on to.
And I held on tight.
So when he came into my bed...
...l tried to block it out.
I couldn't...
...allow myself to think
he'd do something like that to me.
He was my lifeline.
I couldn't cut him loose.
I knew that if I did, I would die.
That's how important
I'd let him become.
But I wasn't crazy...
...and that whole sick...
...little ceremony
that went on every night...
...wasn't some bad dream
that's a normal part of therapy...
...like he kept saying it was.
The nurse coming in,
giving me my shot...
...him there...
...watching me, touching me...
...pulling up my nightgown...
...forcing himself on me.
And I'd try to say something...
...cover myself up,
push him away...
...but I couldn't.
I had to lie there
for however long it took him.
His sweat dripping all over me.
And then he'd make
his awful little noise...
...and go away.
My body couldn't feel anything,
but I knew exactly what was happening.
Just like you knew.
I was always afraid that in one
of my dreams he'd want to kiss me.
That would only make it worse.
-He never did.
No.
At least he never did that.
Ladies and gentlemen,
before I render my decision...
...l want to make note
of one essential fact.
The only true victim in this case
is the animal in question.
lts owner didn't train
or control it properly.
ln response, Mr. Pine subjected
it to needless surgery, damaging it.
ln response to that, the defendant
resorted to physical violence.
Shame on the both of you.
I find the defendant guilty
on the charge of battery.
As to sentencing, given the fact that
I believe that there was provocation...
...and that the defendant's actions
took place in the heat of the moment...
...I'm sentencing him to only
five days in the county jail...
...and 500 hours of community service...
...to be performed at the
West Los Angeles Animal Shelter.
-We're done.
-He plagues my life for a year...
...he physically brutalizes me
in my home...
...you give him five lousy days
in jail and say, "We're done"?
Be careful, Mr. Pine, or you'll find
out just how long five days can be.
Yeah, in dog years
it's three stinking hours.
I'm warning both of you.
Cease this outburst now.
I love the idea that you put him
to work in an animal shelter.
I think that's most appropriate.
Maybe you could put
Charlie Manson...
...on early work release
so he could be a Big Brother.
-Just sit down.
One more word...
...and I am holding you in contempt.
If I may, Your Honor, I feel sufficiently
aggrieved by the outcome of this case...
...to say that contempt for both you and
the criminal justice system in general...
...is a pretty fair summation
of the way I feel.
All right, Mr. Pine, I find you
in direct contempt of this court.
Bailiffs, remand both these
gentlemen into custody.
They are both to serve
five days in county jail.
And if I had my wish, they would serve
those five days in the same cell.
Now we're done.
You're due at the studio in half an hour.
Neil will meet you there.
There's a drive-on for you
at the Madison gate.
Richard Cross is outside.
He needs a minute of your time.
I'll bet. Show him in.
Teddy.
Richard.
So Julie told me about these
dreams she's been having...
...and this meeting with
this Stephanie person.
Can any of this be true, or...?
The stories these two women tell
are too similar to ignore.
Well, then...
...l don't know what to think.
I've known Graham Lester for years.
He's a friend.
Or was.
But, I mean, I cannot allow Julie
to continue treatment with this man...
...not under a cloud like this.
lt probably would be ill-advised.
I want you to know that whatever my
past relationship with Graham Lester...
...I'm gonna jump into
this thing with both feet.
If any of this happened, or if he
so much as laid a hand on Julie...
...l will see to it that his license
is revoked and he is put behind bars.
To that end, tell your investigator
that my resources are at his disposal.
This really is a police matter, Richard.
This really is a police matter, Richard.
If there's any information
Julie can provide...
...she should talk to law enforcement.
Graham Lester was
Jessica's psychiatrist too.
So I have to ask the question...
...if he did do these things...
...if he was involved in the girl's death
at lephyr House...
...do you think it's possible that he...
...killed Jessica?
Anything's possible.
Wish Neil good luck for me tonight.
I'll be watching.
Let's talk about your new movie.
Great. You should go see it.
It's called Deadbolt.
-It's my first feature.
-Uh-huh.
Coming to a theater near you.
You've lived a charmed life, Neil.
You've had your own series...
...become a star, now you're
embarking upon a film career...
...and suddenly you're in
the middle of a nightmare.
-Yeah.
-I think everyone understands...
...that with your trial coming up
there's a lot you can't talk about.
-That's true.
-What do you say to the people...
...who have tuned into this show
who want to know who Neil Avedon is?
The worst thing that's happened isn't
being accused of something I didn't do.
lt was losing someone that I loved.
I'd give my life right now
if it would bring her back.
For whatever reason, I have to live
through being accused of killing her.
What I have to do now is convince
the world that I'm innocent.
And I guess that's who
Neil Avedon is right now.
And I guess that's who
Neil Avedon is right now.
Why do you suppose
this is happening?
I thought God was punishing me.
For?
-All the bad things I have done in my life.
You've acknowledged publicly
that for the first time...
...since you were 14 years old,
you're sober.
Yeah. I just got my 30-day chip.
ls that one of the lessons
you needed to learn?
-That there's life after drugs and alcohol?
-Absolutely.
And until you figure that out,
you can't learn anything else.
Talk about what it was like to be in jail.
Well, it was terrifying.
The smell, the noise.
It's never quiet in jail.
And suddenly all the fame
and the money and the women...
...none of that stuff means anything.
The truth is none of that
means anything outside, either.
-Another lesson?
-Big lesson.
One word to describe what
a typical day is for you right now.
Simpler, by a lot.
I live in a guest house
away from the city.
I run every day,
go to my meetings, read.
I keep to myself mostly.
-Are you lonely?
-No.
I mean, you'd think after all
these years of never going anywhere...
...without at least six people
coming along, I would be.
But I've discovered this weird
new experience. Peace and quiet.
Anyone special in your life
at the moment?
Yeah.
-Anyone we know?
-No, she's not in the business.
She's shy...
...and I'm in love with her.
What's her name?
Not telling.
Are you worried about
what this could do to your career?
My career? Do I want to be able
to continue working as an actor?
You bet. I love what I do.
But do I worry that all of this will
keep me from becoming a movie star?
That doesn't seem
quite so important anymore.
We did a telephone survey
right before we went on the air...
...and the majority of the people
we spoke to think you're guilty.
Because they only heard one side.
I've been on trial
in the press for months...
...with people saying all kinds
of things about me that aren't true.
The reason why I wanted
to do this interview...
...was so people
could get to know me...
...and see that I don't have
horns on my head.
Let's talk for a moment
about what is true.
You've admitted you don't remember
strangling Melissa Griotte in that video.
-That's a matter of record, isn't it?
Yeah.
And the reason you don't remember
is because you've been experiencing...
...blackouts from using
drugs and alcohol, right?
Felicia, we're getting into an area
I really can't talk about.
Okay. But you're saying
that people are making up...
...all kinds of things about you.
But there are a lot of disturbing things
that aren't made up.
You strangled a swan,
you strangled Melissa Griotte.
You admit to being with Jessica
the night of the murder.
You had sex with her.
lsn't it possible you strangled her
and you just don't remember?
It's impossible for me not to remember
something I couldn't have done...
...something it's inconceivable
I would ever do to anyone...
...let alone a person I loved
the way I loved Jessica.
And wherever she is now...
...she knows the truth,
and God knows the truth...
...that I didn't do this terrible thing.
...that I didn't do this terrible thing.
Thank you, Neil Avedon,
for being with us tonight.
We'll be back in a moment.
Well, what do you think?
He's beautiful, boyish,
sensitive, tragic.
Now every woman in America
wants to mother him.
Do you?
I don't know. He's an actor.
So I can't tell if
I'm being manipulated...
...or if I just watched
an innocent man pour out his soul.
I know that's a concept
I've been allergic to up to this point...
...but for the first time
I'm beginning to wonder...
...if Neil Avedon is really
capable of murder.
Give me 12 jurors who feel
the same way you do...
...and I've got a shot
at getting him off.
And if they're wrong?
Then as the old saying goes....
Better 10 guilty men go free
than one innocent man be punished.
I rest my case.
Subtitles by
SDl Media Group
OCR extraction
by D.Lauper
and I want to know who it is.
Neil confessed to killing Jessica.
I'll rot in jail before I'll testify
to any of this, Mr. Hoffman.
Did you or did you not confess to him
that you killed Jessica?
Teddy, I don't know.
She's the night nurse at lephyr House.
She logged a call from Neil at 1 :45 a.m.
the night of the murder...
...from Julie Costello's apartment.
That's two hours after he said he left.
Who told you the results
of our jury survey?
You know I can't answer that.
If I've got a traitor working for me,
I'd like to know.
You'll never guess who I saw...
...coming out of Connie Dahlgren's
apartment at 7:OO this morning...
...with wet hair, no less.
An attorney's
fundamental duty is to his client.
You've jeopardized your own career
before it's even begun.
Who is it, Julie?
Who is it in your dream?
Graham...
...Lester.
Couldn't we just let it ring?
Hello?
All right. All right.
Calm down, Richard.
Was she hurt?
As soon as I can. Yes.
Julie Costello was in a car accident.
The police have her out in Van Nuys.
I'm told all she had
was a couple of glasses of wine.
-What was her blood alcohol level?
-Point-o-five.
It's a low blow for the Breathalyzer,
but her pupils weren't dilating.
The drug-recognition expert will be here
in a minute. I'd like him to look.
Be that as it may, we posted bail,
so she's free to go, correct?
Be that as it may, we posted bail,
so she's free to go, correct?
Not until we're done processing her.
You may want to check
with your watch commander.
He told me a few minutes ago
that she'd been cleared for release.
Sir, we've got a Julie Costello in
custody on a DUl. Her attorney's--
Yes, sir.
I wasn't aware of that.
Yes, sir, I understand.
Let me check on her.
I thought Graham Lester
was dialing back her drugs.
Yes, he has been.
The alcohol must have amplified
the effects of the medication.
Mea culpa, Teddy.
If I'd known she was gonna drive...
...l would have hidden the keys.
Believe me.
-How's the kid on the motorcycle?
-Oh, he's fine, just a few scrapes.
Fortunately, Julie just clipped him.
So I should just be in civil court
for the next five or 10 years.
But what's money as long
as everybody's okay?
Richard, I am so sorry.
Get her our of here, Richard. Fast.
-Your poor car.
-It's okay. Don't worry about it, honey.
-It's okay.
-And, Teddy, it's so late...
...and you came all the way to
Van Nuys. Can you ever forgive me?
Not to worry. Let's just get you home.
Wait, I can't forget my personal effects.
My rings and stuff.
-Do I need to sign something?
Here.
Am I going to lose
my license because of this?
Don't worry about it, sweetheart.
Teddy will take care of everything.
Let's go.
I don't know what I'd do
without you, Teddy.
I really don't.
Good night.
For the hell of it,
I've been doing more digging...
...into that 1992
wrongful-death investigation...
...Rusty Arnold was involved in
at lephyr House.
Don't get too hopeful.
We've been all over that.
Graham Lester managed
to disinfect himself pretty good.
Yeah, well, check this out.
A Stephanie Lambert...
...she was in rehab at the time
for heroin addiction.
She told one of the investigating officers
she thought Lester had drugged...
...and raped her on numerous occasions
while she was in treatment.
The case never made.
There was no evidence...
...and the girl couldn't be sure
whether or not it was a dream.
The same bad dream
Julie's been having.
That's why I thought
you might be interested.
-Where's this woman now?
Silver Lake.
I talked to her on the phone,
but she wasn't forthcoming.
I explained I wasn't a cop,
but she didn't want to hear it.
If she'd talk to Julie,
it might drive a wedge...
...between her and her shrink.
...between her and her shrink.
Do you want me to take a run at her?
She might talk to a woman.
Be my guest. I'll give you
her name and number.
Anything new on Lester's nurse?
Only wrong thing about her
is the building manager...
...thinks she's got a cat.
There are no pets allowed.
-I'm still working on her TRW.
Thanks, Ray. Good work.
This Graham Lester's got some
weird lizards living in his head.
Yeah.
Morning.
Morning. First order of business.
Our jury consultant, Margaret Stratton,
is leaving for medical reasons.
Nothing serious, thankfully.
Her partner Lorraine Vitale...
...will be coming on board this
afternoon, so introduce yourselves.
And Julie Costello's a client again.
She wrecked Richard Cross'
Rolls last night.
-ls she all right?
She wasn't hurt.
She was charged with DUl, reckless
driving, driving without a license.
Justine, I want you to handle this.
Arraignment's next week.
I'll find out who the deputy DA is,
see what I can work out.
-It's one thing after another.
-Don't get me started.
Conformed copies of our motion
in limine. One for the nurse.
One for Dr. Lester
and his medical records.
If we win, won't Grasso file
a motion to preserve the records?
Great. We want to see those
records too. Anything else?
We're meeting with the judge
today on George Lerman.
All this over a dog. Surely this case
could be plea-bargained.
Sorry to interrupt.
Breaking news on Neil Avedon.
ln a sworn affidavit.
the teenage girl says the man...
...seen in the poor-quality video
is Hollywood's baddest bad boy...
...Meil Avedon. with whom
she spent a nightmarish evening...
...of sex. drugs and videotape in the
bungalow of a posh Beverly Hills hotel.
The affidavit goes on to say that the girl.
quote. "feared for her life"...
...when the film star tried to strangle
her during their lovemaking.
Meil Avedon is charged in the sex
slaying of 15-year-old Jessica Costello.
It's amazing this kid finds time
between these performances to act.
Assuming that's really Neil.
Whether it is him or not, this is one
more thing we have to explain away.
-What makes people do that?
Hormones could play a part.
I'll give Connie a call.
I'll give Connie a call.
Have Ray Velacek find out
whatever he can about the girl.
After seeing that, there's not
a whole lot we don't already know.
You're kicking up a lot of dust
over this, aren't you, Ms. Booth?
Your Honor, this man pounded
on Mr. Pine's front door...
...then punched him in the nose,
breaking it and causing facial bruising.
The defense would maintain
there was more than ample provocation.
Reducing the charge
to a misdemeanor...
...and having my client
pay a fine is appropriate...
...rather than consuming
the court's time with a trial.
-Talk to me, counsel.
-I'm not willing to knock it down.
This is a serious offense.
-Lillian.
Yes?
Send in Mr. Lerman and Mr. Pine.
This is a dispute between
neighbors, counselors.
A little communication, and we
should be able to save ourselves a trial.
Forget about it. I was assaulted.
I'm not willing to pretend
that didn't happen.
Mr. Lerman, is there anything you could
offer up by way of compensation...
...that might induce Mr. Pine
to feel he has received redress...
...outside the criminal court system?
You want me to pay him?
Is that what you suggest?
-Something akin to that.
-Ah. Well, how can I put this.
I'd rather be thrown
out that window...
...and impaled on an iron fence
than pay this guy one dime.
Mr. Lerman, understand something.
As of right now,
you're charged with a felony.
If convicted, there's a chance
you will go to prison.
What I'm trying to do is spare you that.
-Why should he be spared?
-Leonard.
Why should you be spared?
Thunder wasn't spared.
Thunder lives every day of his life
with the consequences of what you did.
-Thunder is disabled because of you.
-I did what I did with a clear conscience.
lt was an act of self-preservation.
I would do it again.
Have you heard the expression
"never again," my friend?
Have you heard that expression?
Well, hear it now. Never again.
The next time, I'll be waiting
for you with a gun.
Stop. Ms. Booth, Ms. Gillespie,
you're ready to proceed?
-Yes, Your Honor.
Two o'clock this afternoon.
I'll see you in court.
Don't--
I wasn't.
-You were looking.
guys.
Out of the corner of my eye,
I saw you looking at me.
That video was totally bogus, Teddy.
Believe me.
And this isn't a case
of me not remembering.
I do believe you.
This has felt like a scam from the jump.
Trials like this bring the wackos
out of the woodwork.
Yeah, well, I'm getting
eating alive, okay?
I'm in the supermarket,
and this woman scoops up her kid...
...when she sees me coming,
like I'm some kind of fiend.
I gotta do something, Ted.
Don't go to the supermarket.
You put yourself out in the public eye...
...people are gonna do things,
say things. That's the reality.
Maybe there's another way
of coming at this than just laying low.
-What would you suggest?
Meet this head-on.
Neil's publicist got a call
from Felicia Norell.
-No interviews.
This is not an interview.
This is Felicia Norell.
This is a blue-chip opportunity
for Neil to tell his side of the story.
I'm sure the timing of this has nothing to
do with the fact your picture's opening.
The welfare of my friend
is my only priority here.
But let me say, we have been previewing
Deadbolt in a few key markets.
You should see what
the audience cards are saying.
Listen to me, Neil. There's a perception
in your business that any ink is good ink.
That's not the case in a murder trial.
We're at war for the hearts
and minds of the jury.
You say the wrong thing
in an interview...
...or the questions themselves
seem suspicious...
...that jury could decide
they don't like you...
...or they don't trust you.
lt could cost you your life.
I hear what you're saying, Teddy...
...and I know you're looking out
for my best interest.
Would you at lest talk to these people,
explore the possibilities?
You're my client.
I'll talk to anyone you want.
That a way, Ted.
Before I'd consider
signing off on such a thing...
...l would have to satisfy myself
in a couple areas.
One, that there's sufficient reason
to warrant taking this kind of risk.
And two, that the network agrees
to terms and conditions I can live with.
I don't like what I'm hearing,
no interview.
Which is why we are coming
to you to be the rabbi here.
Neil, I need your authority to say "no. "
No end runs around me to your agent
or any of your other representatives.
No end runs around me to your agent
or any of your other representatives.
-You're the boss.
This is why you're a star, Ted.
You're tough, but you're not
afraid to look past...
...your own point of view
to see the bigger picture.
If you ever decide
you want to run a studio....
Put the bullet right here.
Whatever Neil Avedon said
to his psychiatrist the night in question...
Whatever Neil Avedon said
to his psychiatrist the night in question...
...falls under
the doctor-patient privilege.
The defendant relinquished
that privilege, Your Honor.
Mr. Docknovich argued for bail based
upon the defendant's mental health...
...or, rather, lack thereof.
It's well settled that once
mental health is at issue...
...the privilege can no longer
be used as a shield.
The people have correctly stated
the law, but applied it improperly.
An argument at bail neither presents
testimony nor introduces evidence.
We can all argue Darcy's Hornbook,
or even legislative intent...
...but the fact is that the defendant's
mental health is on the record...
...and the defense put it there.
Now they wanna pull it back
to suit their needs.
The people argue they shouldn't
be able to have it both ways.
I find the privilege too compelling
to set aside.
Mr. Hoffman, I'm granting
your motion vis-à-vis Dr. Lester.
I'm not sure about the nurse.
It seems to me if Susan Dominick...
...has testimony that doesn't go
to the defendant's medical records...
...or statements, it may be admissible.
Ms. Dominick received a telephone call
from the defendant...
...who was at the apartment
of the victim...
...two hours after he told
the police he'd left.
We have the phone company
records supporting it.
Hearsay. A hundred different men
could have placed that call...
...and said they were Neil Avedon.
She'll testify that she knows
and recognized his voice.
Ms. Dominick also observed
the arrival of the defendant...
...at lephyr House
30 minutes after that call.
She's a percipient witness...
...to non-privileged
communication and conduct.
There's no proof
such an event took place...
...but arguing hypothetically, if it did,
Neil was visiting his psychiatrist...
...and the privilege extends
to any employee...
...who might have signed him in,
including Dominick.
The defense is trying to use
privilege as a smoke screen.
Ms. Dominick saw Neil Avedon
arrive at lephyr House...
...at approximately 2:15 a.m.
She noted his affect.
He was distraught.
He asked to see Dr. Lester,
and she escorted him to his office.
These are the objective facts
and should be admitted into evidence.
I'm going to allow
Ms. Dominick's testimony...
...as it relates to seeing
the defendant at lephyr House.
I'm also going to allow her
to testify as to the identity...
...of the person she spoke
with on the phone.
With all due respect--
Whether she can identify Mr. Avedon
from his voice, counsel...
...is what cross-examination is for.
As for the people's motion
for discovery, denied.
Dr. Lester's notes and records
on Mr. Avedon are protected...
...along with any testimony
the doctor himself may make...
...going to the substance
of his meeting with Mr. Avedon.
Your Honor, the people move
that Dr. Lester's records...
...be removed to this court to prevent
any alteration or destruction.
Does defense have a problem with that?
Yes, Your Honor.
These records belong to Mr. Avedon.
Dr. Lester should be ordered
to turn over these records...
...to my office for safekeeping.
I think not, Mr. Hoffman.
Dr. Lester, can you
accommodate the court?
Certainly, Your Honor.
Counsel, you will accompany your client
to his office, secure the records...
...and deposit them with this court
tomorrow morning. We are adjourned.
Mr. Hoffman, why was
this a closed hearing?
The judge closed the hearing
for good reason. That's all I can say.
There's a story that the film
is a fake.
This isn't a news bulletin.
I said earlier the tape was a phony.
Now maybe you'll believe me.
This is just another example of rumor
and innuendo being reported as fact.
It's this climate
of irresponsible journalism...
...that could make it difficult for my
client to receive a fair trial. Thank you.
All pretrial motions are being
considered. Thank you very much.
Artie Sneller. who produced
the X-rated film Hose Monkeys...
...footage of which was used
in the apparent hoax...
...held a press conference earlier
today and had this to say:
I got a late-breaking bulletin
for whoever ripped off our footage.
We're coming after you. pal.
My attorneys. as we speak. are
bringing suit against Deadline: America...
...and Connie Dahlgren
for misrepresenting our work.
Hey. you don't rip off
Schindler's List...
...and you don't rip off
Hose Monkeys.
ln other news--
It's about time Neil got a win.
Connie Dahlgren's credibility
may be impeached...
-...but don't count on it helping Neil.
-Why not?
Even though it's been refuted...
...the negative association's
been made in people's minds.
Our raw data says as much.
Anything in your data that indicates
there would be an upside...
...to Neil doing an interview
with Felicia Norell tomorrow?
A venue like that puts him
in America's living room...
...with one of the most
respected women alive.
The visual association alone with
Felicia Norell helps humanize him.
He's charming, charismatic,
knows how to play the camera.
When he's acting.
This is the real deal, live,
no take two.
What's the downside?
Even if he says the right things,
he'll be under a microscope.
Everybody's going to be
Iooking for guilt...
...in his body language,
his eyes, his affect.
People tend to believe their
televisions tell them the truth.
If he comes off badly....
Let's see how our meeting
with the network goes.
Describe for us, if you will, Mr. Pine,
the events of June 10th, 1995.
My wife and my son were out
of town visiting my wife's parents.
I was in the den
assembling a model airplane.
If memory serves me,
I believe it was a B-52 Stratofortress.
The doorbell rang, I answered the door,
and the defendant, that guy over there...
...George Lerman, attacked me.
What reason did he give for doing so?
He was angry over
what I had done to his dog.
Was this the first time that his dog
was a source of conflict between you?
The first time? No.
This wasn't the first time.
His dog was a source of conflict
from the day we moved into that house.
What was the nature of the conflict?
The dog barked...
...every hour of every day
of every week for over a year.
-Not true.
It isn't true?
-Mr. Lerman.
-I'm at home all the time.
He barks at squirrels.
He barks at birds.
-Oh, please.
-Gentlemen, that's enough.
He even barks at his own reflection.
Did you ever speak
to Mr. Lerman about it?
Many times. His one concession to me
was to buy the dog an electronic collar.
lt turned out the dog
liked the electronic collar.
lt liked getting an electric charge every
time it barked. It was fun for him.
lt liked getting an electric charge every
time it barked. It was fun for him.
lnstead of simply hearing
incessant barking...
...l now heard barking
alternating with beeping.
Bark, beep, bark, beep,
bark, beep, bark, beep.
But the defendant did take steps
to try and remedy the situation.
His steps were half-hearted, at best.
The truth is he was sneering at me.
The last straw was when
his dog leapt the fence...
...and threw a hump
into my schnauzer.
I had to turn the hose on him.
It was only then that I finally acted...
...reclaiming my little corner
of the universe from that dog monster...
...that had come to torment
my every moment.
-Oh, you believe this jerk? Come on.
-George.
I have no further questions.
Stephanie?
I almost didn't come.
-I don't like this place.
-We can go somewhere else if you want.
-Coffee?
-Uh-uh.
I appreciate your coming.
I know it wasn't easy for you.
Like I said, I'm not saying
anything on the record.
-You don't have to.
Okay. Fine.
What do you want?
I have a friend.
She's 25 years old.
She's a patient of Graham Lester's.
I'd like you to talk to her.
No way.
He's doing the same thing
to her he did to you.
Well, she has my sympathies. The only
advice I can give her is run like hell.
Because if she tries to do anything,
no one will believe her.
Just like nobody believed me.
As of now, she doesn't believe it herself.
ls he with you?
-No.
-Why is he looking over here?
-I'm asking you for your help.
-Where was help when I needed it, huh?
I talked to detectives. I talked
to rape crisis intervention officers.
I talked to people from the DA's office.
And nobody did a damn thing.
Not to help me, not to stop him.
If justice wasn't served, don't make
other women pay the price for that.
At the very least, you can deprive
Graham Lester of another victim...
...and maybe somebody will believe her.
And maybe he'll finally
get what's coming to him.
If there was any justice...
...Graham Lester's balls would be
nailed to the front door of his clinic.
Then give me a nail.
I haven't seen the network
this excited...
...since Felicia interviewed
John Wayne Gacy.
You understand this is by no means
a fait accompli.
That's why we're here,
to make it happen.
Let's talk about the rules.
We want the segment
taped in advance...
...with editorial control to reside
with Neil and myself.
-You're joking.
-Do you hear a laugh track?
It's never been the policy of the
news division to cede editorial control.
-Change your policy.
First of all, Teddy...
...there's no editorial control.
Felicia works live.
Which means Neil can't get up
and walk away if he's sandbagged.
Teddy, this isn't gonna be adversarial.
Felicia Norell didn't get where she is
by throwing hanging curve balls.
If this has to be live, we have to agree
in advance to the questions she can ask.
These interviews aren't scripted.
Felicia lets conversations unfold
as conversations do.
Then we're done here.
The receptionist will
validate your parking.
Hold it.
The network wants to make this work.
What can we do
to make Neil comfortable?
No questions about the crime. Period.
That could have
a pretty broad interpretation.
The broadest possible.
Felicia has to ask
what's on everyone's mind.
If the public senses there's some sort
of conspiracy to avoid this issue...
...they'll tune out in droves.
Your ratings aren't my concern.
At the very least, people are gonna
want to hear what it's like...
...to face these charges,
what it does to someone's life.
And if they're like me
and they think Neil is innocent...
...that engenders a lot of sympathy.
I don't have a problem
with Neil talking about his feelings.
But I don't want him
being asked about...
...his whereabouts
the day of the murder.
-Fine.
-No questions about his prior arrests.
-His arrests are public record.
But not admissible in court.
So he doesn't need
20 million people...
...hearing a litany of every
screwup he's ever made.
All right. No specific questions
about his criminal record. What else?
All right. No specific questions
about his criminal record. What else?
No discussions about
his relationship to the victim...
...his statements to police,
his preparations for trial...
...whether or not he'll testify,
what his testimony might be.
And I want it in writing.
I guess we can live with that.
At the end of the day,
what assurances do I really have...
...that any of these terms
will be adhered to?
I like to think my word,
Felicia's good intentions...
...and the good faith of the entire
network mean something, Ted.
I like to think the meek
will inherit the Earth.
So how'd we do?
You got me covered
16 ways till Sunday.
I got you a piece of paper with some
assurances written on it. That's all it is.
Neil, I'm asking you
not to do this interview.
You're really looking out
for me, Teddy.
I can't tell you how much
this means to me.
But I'm doing this interview.
It's my decision.
I'll take the consequences.
Describe for us the history
of your dealings...
...with the plaintiff
prior to June 5th, 1995.
He bought the house next door to me
a year and a half ago.
I had been there 11 years at that point.
One day he comes to me and says
my dog's barking is irritating him.
The dog is a little high-strung,
I'll grant that.
I tried to correct the situation
as much as possible.
I started keeping the dog inside.
Did that serve to satisfy Mr. Pine?
No.
He complained that he could also
hear barking when the dog was inside.
Did you take further steps
towards correcting the situation?
-I bought an electronic collar.
-Bark, beep, bark, beep--
That's enough of that, Mr. Pine.
I paid for sessions with a dog trainer.
Whatever I could do, I did.
Where were you the week
of June 5, 1995, Mr. Lerman?
I was attending a trade show in Miami.
Would you tell the court
what you discovered...
...upon your return from that trip?
That my dog was different.
That he didn't come running to greet me.
That he didn't jump up
and put his paws around me.
That he wouldn't face me.
Suddenly he was self-conscious.
Your Honor, we would like
to introduce defense exhibit A.
-ls this your dog, Mr. Lerman?
-Yes, it is.
-Can you cause your dog to bark?
-I can cause my dog to attempt to bark.
Would you please do so?
Speak, Thunder.
Come on, boy.
Speak for Daddy. Come on.
Come on. Come on.
Thank you, Mr. Lerman.
What did you do when you found
your dog was unable to bark?
I took him to the vet.
I was informed that his vocal cords
had been surgically altered.
What did you do upon
returning from the vet?
I went to Mr. Pine.
I asked him if he had done this.
He told me that he had. He was
proud of himself, this psychopath.
-I'm the psychopath?
Leonard.
You force an entire community to endure
the ceaseless barking of your dog...
-...and I'm the psychopath?
-Mr. Pine.
Nobody complained but you, though.
Why is that, I wonder?
Both of you,
stop this colloquy right now.
Thunder, Thunder, Thunder...
...look at what this evil little turd
has done to you.
I have no further questions, Your Honor.
A somewhat humbled Connie Dahlgren
is here to see you.
Show her in.
Stephanie Lambert just called.
She's agreed to come
and meet with Julie.
Thanks, Justine.
Truce?
-I didn't know we were at war.
-Teddy, you gave as good as you got.
-I don't quite follow.
-Come on, I'm not wearing a wire.
Search me if you'd like.
You're incorrect if you think
I had anything to do with that video.
You have the most
remarkable ability to be sincere...
...whether you mean it or not.
Whatever the circumstances,
when Sydney gave me that tape...
...l made the mistake of taking it
at face value. Serves me right.
-I should've been more thorough.
-That's not like you, Connie.
I know.
But the dear boy was so
eager to please, and so young.
And so grateful.
Now that the score's even, can we
go back to the mutually beneficial...
...relationship we've always enjoyed?
Nothing would please me more.
-No hard feelings?
-None.
I'm glad we had this chance
to clear the air.
I'm glad we had this chance
to clear the air.
But answer me one question, Teddy.
That film, Hose Monkeys...
...was that part of your
private collection?
If I told you, it wouldn't
be private, would it?
You pulled that stunt
with Connie Dahlgren.
Yep.
After what she did to me and
the damage I caused the Avedon case...
...l had to do something
to discredit her.
And to be honest, Mr. Hoffman,
the revenge was pretty sweet.
-How'd you dummy the video?
-By bleeding the color...
...and re-recording it a bunch of times
to degrade the quality.
And I kept a copy of the phony
affidavit for you. It's pretty convincing.
-You're fired, effective immediately.
-Why?
You didn't learn
from your last mistake.
I don't understand.
I thought you'd be grateful.
Because you tried to settle accounts
through trickery?
Did you hear a word I said
in our conversation last week?
Yeah, you said,
"With failure comes opportunity."
And I saw an opportunity,
and I went for it.
You're smart, cunning
and underhanded, Sydney.
Qualities that, in all likelihood,
will make you very successful.
But not in this firm.
-But all I did was--
-What you did was lie.
There are too many people as it is
bending and twisting legal ethics...
...to suit their own needs
without you joining their ranks.
When the dean of your law school
gets my evaluation...
...of your performance
during this internship...
...maybe he'll take
a more lenient view...
...but I doubt it.
You tell me what it is
I did that's so wrong.
That you have to ask makes my point.
Louis will pack your things and send
them along with your final check.
Goodbye.
When Sydney's the biggest
agent in Hollywood...
...you can say you knew him when.
Julie, say hello to Stephanie Lambert.
-Hi.
Have a seat.
ls this about my car accident?
Justine has that under control.
This is about Graham Lester.
Oh, he told me not to drink alcohol
with that prescription.
lt was printed on the bottle,
but I didn't listen.
lt was totally my fault.
That's not why we asked you
to come here.
Do you remember telling
me about dreams you'd been having...
...about Dr. Lester forcing you
to have sex with him?
Stephanie was a patient
at Dr. Lester's too.
Does Richard know you called me
in here to talk about this?
-Does it matter?
-I don't wanna have this conversation.
I think you should.
I don't even know this person.
You don't have to say anything.
All we're asking you to do is listen.
I know what you've been through...
...and I know what
you're going through now.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about when it's real shaky...
...and you're not sure
if you're gonna make it.
And he's there,
asking you to trust him...
...because he's the doctor
and he can make it okay.
And he does make it okay.
He shows you that he's not scared...
...and you don't have to
be scared, either.
Graham Lester was the one thing
that I could hold on to.
And I held on tight.
So when he came into my bed...
...l tried to block it out.
I couldn't...
...allow myself to think
he'd do something like that to me.
He was my lifeline.
I couldn't cut him loose.
I knew that if I did, I would die.
That's how important
I'd let him become.
But I wasn't crazy...
...and that whole sick...
...little ceremony
that went on every night...
...wasn't some bad dream
that's a normal part of therapy...
...like he kept saying it was.
The nurse coming in,
giving me my shot...
...him there...
...watching me, touching me...
...pulling up my nightgown...
...forcing himself on me.
And I'd try to say something...
...cover myself up,
push him away...
...but I couldn't.
I had to lie there
for however long it took him.
His sweat dripping all over me.
And then he'd make
his awful little noise...
...and go away.
My body couldn't feel anything,
but I knew exactly what was happening.
Just like you knew.
I was always afraid that in one
of my dreams he'd want to kiss me.
That would only make it worse.
-He never did.
No.
At least he never did that.
Ladies and gentlemen,
before I render my decision...
...l want to make note
of one essential fact.
The only true victim in this case
is the animal in question.
lts owner didn't train
or control it properly.
ln response, Mr. Pine subjected
it to needless surgery, damaging it.
ln response to that, the defendant
resorted to physical violence.
Shame on the both of you.
I find the defendant guilty
on the charge of battery.
As to sentencing, given the fact that
I believe that there was provocation...
...and that the defendant's actions
took place in the heat of the moment...
...I'm sentencing him to only
five days in the county jail...
...and 500 hours of community service...
...to be performed at the
West Los Angeles Animal Shelter.
-We're done.
-He plagues my life for a year...
...he physically brutalizes me
in my home...
...you give him five lousy days
in jail and say, "We're done"?
Be careful, Mr. Pine, or you'll find
out just how long five days can be.
Yeah, in dog years
it's three stinking hours.
I'm warning both of you.
Cease this outburst now.
I love the idea that you put him
to work in an animal shelter.
I think that's most appropriate.
Maybe you could put
Charlie Manson...
...on early work release
so he could be a Big Brother.
-Just sit down.
One more word...
...and I am holding you in contempt.
If I may, Your Honor, I feel sufficiently
aggrieved by the outcome of this case...
...to say that contempt for both you and
the criminal justice system in general...
...is a pretty fair summation
of the way I feel.
All right, Mr. Pine, I find you
in direct contempt of this court.
Bailiffs, remand both these
gentlemen into custody.
They are both to serve
five days in county jail.
And if I had my wish, they would serve
those five days in the same cell.
Now we're done.
You're due at the studio in half an hour.
Neil will meet you there.
There's a drive-on for you
at the Madison gate.
Richard Cross is outside.
He needs a minute of your time.
I'll bet. Show him in.
Teddy.
Richard.
So Julie told me about these
dreams she's been having...
...and this meeting with
this Stephanie person.
Can any of this be true, or...?
The stories these two women tell
are too similar to ignore.
Well, then...
...l don't know what to think.
I've known Graham Lester for years.
He's a friend.
Or was.
But, I mean, I cannot allow Julie
to continue treatment with this man...
...not under a cloud like this.
lt probably would be ill-advised.
I want you to know that whatever my
past relationship with Graham Lester...
...I'm gonna jump into
this thing with both feet.
If any of this happened, or if he
so much as laid a hand on Julie...
...l will see to it that his license
is revoked and he is put behind bars.
To that end, tell your investigator
that my resources are at his disposal.
This really is a police matter, Richard.
This really is a police matter, Richard.
If there's any information
Julie can provide...
...she should talk to law enforcement.
Graham Lester was
Jessica's psychiatrist too.
So I have to ask the question...
...if he did do these things...
...if he was involved in the girl's death
at lephyr House...
...do you think it's possible that he...
...killed Jessica?
Anything's possible.
Wish Neil good luck for me tonight.
I'll be watching.
Let's talk about your new movie.
Great. You should go see it.
It's called Deadbolt.
-It's my first feature.
-Uh-huh.
Coming to a theater near you.
You've lived a charmed life, Neil.
You've had your own series...
...become a star, now you're
embarking upon a film career...
...and suddenly you're in
the middle of a nightmare.
-Yeah.
-I think everyone understands...
...that with your trial coming up
there's a lot you can't talk about.
-That's true.
-What do you say to the people...
...who have tuned into this show
who want to know who Neil Avedon is?
The worst thing that's happened isn't
being accused of something I didn't do.
lt was losing someone that I loved.
I'd give my life right now
if it would bring her back.
For whatever reason, I have to live
through being accused of killing her.
What I have to do now is convince
the world that I'm innocent.
And I guess that's who
Neil Avedon is right now.
And I guess that's who
Neil Avedon is right now.
Why do you suppose
this is happening?
I thought God was punishing me.
For?
-All the bad things I have done in my life.
You've acknowledged publicly
that for the first time...
...since you were 14 years old,
you're sober.
Yeah. I just got my 30-day chip.
ls that one of the lessons
you needed to learn?
-That there's life after drugs and alcohol?
-Absolutely.
And until you figure that out,
you can't learn anything else.
Talk about what it was like to be in jail.
Well, it was terrifying.
The smell, the noise.
It's never quiet in jail.
And suddenly all the fame
and the money and the women...
...none of that stuff means anything.
The truth is none of that
means anything outside, either.
-Another lesson?
-Big lesson.
One word to describe what
a typical day is for you right now.
Simpler, by a lot.
I live in a guest house
away from the city.
I run every day,
go to my meetings, read.
I keep to myself mostly.
-Are you lonely?
-No.
I mean, you'd think after all
these years of never going anywhere...
...without at least six people
coming along, I would be.
But I've discovered this weird
new experience. Peace and quiet.
Anyone special in your life
at the moment?
Yeah.
-Anyone we know?
-No, she's not in the business.
She's shy...
...and I'm in love with her.
What's her name?
Not telling.
Are you worried about
what this could do to your career?
My career? Do I want to be able
to continue working as an actor?
You bet. I love what I do.
But do I worry that all of this will
keep me from becoming a movie star?
That doesn't seem
quite so important anymore.
We did a telephone survey
right before we went on the air...
...and the majority of the people
we spoke to think you're guilty.
Because they only heard one side.
I've been on trial
in the press for months...
...with people saying all kinds
of things about me that aren't true.
The reason why I wanted
to do this interview...
...was so people
could get to know me...
...and see that I don't have
horns on my head.
Let's talk for a moment
about what is true.
You've admitted you don't remember
strangling Melissa Griotte in that video.
-That's a matter of record, isn't it?
Yeah.
And the reason you don't remember
is because you've been experiencing...
...blackouts from using
drugs and alcohol, right?
Felicia, we're getting into an area
I really can't talk about.
Okay. But you're saying
that people are making up...
...all kinds of things about you.
But there are a lot of disturbing things
that aren't made up.
You strangled a swan,
you strangled Melissa Griotte.
You admit to being with Jessica
the night of the murder.
You had sex with her.
lsn't it possible you strangled her
and you just don't remember?
It's impossible for me not to remember
something I couldn't have done...
...something it's inconceivable
I would ever do to anyone...
...let alone a person I loved
the way I loved Jessica.
And wherever she is now...
...she knows the truth,
and God knows the truth...
...that I didn't do this terrible thing.
...that I didn't do this terrible thing.
Thank you, Neil Avedon,
for being with us tonight.
We'll be back in a moment.
Well, what do you think?
He's beautiful, boyish,
sensitive, tragic.
Now every woman in America
wants to mother him.
Do you?
I don't know. He's an actor.
So I can't tell if
I'm being manipulated...
...or if I just watched
an innocent man pour out his soul.
I know that's a concept
I've been allergic to up to this point...
...but for the first time
I'm beginning to wonder...
...if Neil Avedon is really
capable of murder.
Give me 12 jurors who feel
the same way you do...
...and I've got a shot
at getting him off.
And if they're wrong?
Then as the old saying goes....
Better 10 guilty men go free
than one innocent man be punished.
I rest my case.
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